Locking Casters - Heavy Duty Options

The method depends on the caster type. Brake-only casters are typically engaged by pressing down on a lever or pedal to stop wheel rotation. Total lock casters use a single lever to simultaneously lock both the wheel and swivel. Central locking systems allow you to lock multiple casters at once from one control point, which is common on hospital beds and stretchers. Swivel lock casters have a dedicated mechanism to fix the swivel direction. Always refer to the specific product's instructions, as engagement methods can vary by model.

Brake-only casters lock the wheel rotation while still allowing the caster to swivel freely. Total lock casters secure both the wheel rotation and the swivel motion simultaneously, providing complete immobilization of the equipment. Total lock casters are preferred in situations where maximum stability and safety are required, such as on hospital beds during patient transfers.

Most hospital beds use 5- to 6-inch casters (125–152mm) for an optimal balance between mobility, stability, and floor clearance. However, larger 8-inch (200mm) casters are also available for specific applications like birthing beds and GPS stretchers. The right size depends on the specific bed model and application requirements.

Yes. The locking casters available from Humphries Casters are compatible with a wide range of major brands including Hill-Rom, Stryker, Joerns, Invacare, Hausted, Midmark, and many others. Specific models are designed for equipment such as HillRom Century Series Beds, VersaCare Beds, Centrella Smart+ Beds, TranStar Series Stretchers, Bariatric Plus Hospital Beds, and Hillrom Affinity Birthing Beds, among others.

There are four main caster function types available: Brake Only (locks wheel rotation), Total Lock (locks both wheel and swivel simultaneously), Brake/Steer (combines braking with directional steering control), and Central Lock (locks multiple casters from a single control point). Some specialty options also include directional lock, trend lock, swivel lock, and conductive designs for ESD protection in sensitive medical environments.

Yes. Several caster models are specifically engineered for bariatric applications, including twin wheel brake casters and single wheel brake/steer casters that are compatible with Bariatric Plus Hospital Beds and Compella Bariatric Hospital Beds. Twin wheel designs provide enhanced stability and load distribution, making them well-suited for the higher weight demands of bariatric medical equipment.

Heavy-duty locking casters are available in several wheel materials including standard rubber, plastic, Santoprene, and urethane. Santoprene wheels are used in specific medical bed applications for smooth operation, while urethane wheels offer durability and are compatible with equipment like CCU beds. Non-marking wheels suitable for all hospital flooring surfaces—including tile, linoleum, carpet, and specialized medical surfaces—are also available.